Tag Archives: music

Fan art… Whaaaaat?!

So.

My story, Rue From Ruin, has fan art! I’m not ashamed to admit that I let out a sound that could probably be classified as girlish glee when I discovered this.

No really. People stared. It was quite a scene.

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What a strange and humbling response to the story! It feels entirely misplaced and yet marvelous at the same time.

I’m not sure if fan art is a correct classification where this is excellent work by a musician who is extremely talented in his own right. Check out this creepy atmospheric music written by my friend, Lance Clark.

Part 4 of Rue From Ruin is in revisions now and will go to my beta readers over the weekend. If I’m lucky, it will be ready by Tuesday. If not, Friday.

That’s Paranormal Romp Writin’ Music

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Recently I finished Armada by Ernest Cline. It’s a rather good book although it can’t compare to Mr. Cline’s first novel, Ready Player One (no matter how desperately it tries). I have a hangup about all the teenage banter, and I won’t dwell on it. Needless to say, I probably would have loved Armada if I were ten years younger. The basic premise is similar to The Last Starfighter but the similarities end quickly, and the story is great.

The one thing Ernest Cline’s books do very consistently and efficiently is evoke memories and nostalgia for the 1980s. It’s been noted by many reviewers; the author is a wizard with pop-culture references. The music he picks/mentions in his books is legendary and spawns Spotify playlists that are listened to unendingly by fans.

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I love music, and when I write sci-fi, I’m often listening to ambient electronic or classical movie scores. Although, I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for period music, though, and I totally dig the tunes that set the backdrop for Guardians of the Galaxy. They are perfect for that movie in every single way and sometimes Bowie or other selections from that soundtrack will creep into my writing playlist for The Galaxy and All Her Charms.

What I found surprising recently was, as I was listening to a playlist for Armada, many of the rock-heavy songs inspiring while writing Rue From Ruin. It turns out, this music is a perfect match for some of the scenarios where the main character finds himself. Thought I’d share. Enjoy.

That’s Sci-Fi Writin’ Music

One of the coolest things about doing creative work is when you find out that your buddies are chasing after their dreams as well. A few months back, I met up with my friend Lance Clark and some other comrades for a friendly night of games. Of course, by friendly I mean we went at each others throats in as polite a way possible.

Ok, maybe it wasn’t ALL polite.

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As Lance was taking me to task an embarrassingly dominant fashion, I asked what he’d been up to lately. It had already come up that I am writing a science fiction novel and my friend, somewhat sheepishly, told me of his experimentation with producing electronic music. The undertaking was, technically, news to me. Lance and I had been sharing music by various electronic artists with each other for years. I knew he was musically talented, so this was less surprising than it could have been.

My immediate question to the would-be composer was, “When do I get to hear it?”

“Well…” he replied, holding me in suspense, “soon, but not yet.”

His response did a fantastic job of heightening my anticipation. I’m fairly confident that when his email arrived several weeks later, I could not have been disappointed in the result. Music made and recorded by the hands and brain of a good friend of mine could not fail. Imagine my joy when I discovered that loved the music, and it was inspiring to listen to while writing bits of The Galaxy and All Her Charms!

Since the original track, Lance has released an additional four on Soundcloud. For you, this means they are free to listen to with your ear-holes.

Be sure to like and comment the work if you are so inclined. I know he will appreciate the feedback.